What Is a Stye? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A stye (also spelled "sty") is a painful red bump on your eyelid. It looks similar to a pimple and forms when a small oil gland near your eyelashes gets blocked and infected. Styes are very common and usually heal on their own within one to two weeks.

What Causes a Stye?

Styes are caused by bacterial infections in the oil glands of your eyelid. The bacteria Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause. There are two types: external styes form at the base of your eyelashes, while internal styes develop inside your eyelid.

You may be more likely to get a stye if you touch your eyes with unwashed hands, wear contact lenses without proper cleaning, leave eye makeup on overnight, use old or expired cosmetics, or have blepharitis (chronic eyelid inflammation) or rosacea.

Stye Symptoms

Common stye symptoms include a painful red bump on your eyelid, eyelid swelling, crusting along your eyelid, watery eyes, light sensitivity, and a scratchy feeling like something is in your eye.

Are Styes Contagious?

Styes themselves are not contagious. However, the bacteria that cause them can spread through direct contact or shared items like towels and pillowcases. Good hygiene helps prevent spreading bacteria that may lead to styes.

Home Treatment

Most styes heal at home with simple care. Apply a warm, damp cloth to your closed eyelid for 10 to 15 minutes, 3 to 5 times daily. This helps soften and drain the stye. Keep your eyelids clean and avoid wearing makeup or contact lenses until it heals. Never squeeze or pop a stye.

When to See a Doctor

See an eye doctor if your stye doesn't improve after 48 hours of home care, the pain or swelling gets worse, or your vision is affected. Medical treatment may include prescription antibiotic drops or ointment, or a minor in-office procedure to drain the stye.

Prevention Tips

Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes. Remove eye makeup before bed and replace cosmetics every few months. If you wear contacts, clean and disinfect them properly and always wash your hands before handling them.